Type Public Park Area 40 acres Status Open year round | Location Hove, England Open 24 hours | |
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Operated by Brighton & Hove City Council | ||
Hove Park is a park within the English city of Brighton & Hove. It is also the name of an electoral ward in Brighton and Hove whose population at the 2011 census was 10,602.
Contents
Overview
A paved path goes all round the park, approximately 1.17 miles (1.89 km) in length, and is often used by walkers and runners. There are also several paved paths cross-secting the park at various points. Brighton & Hove Albion's traditional home, the Goldstone Ground was opposite the park, until it was demolished.
Facilities include a fenced off playground, a football pitch, a basketball court, a climbing boulder, several tennis courts and a bowling green. A cafe operates throughout the year and serves refreshments. Public toilets are located near the cafe.
In the southwest corner lies a rock called The Goldstone. Legend has it that the devil threw the approximately 20 ton rock there while excavating Devil's Dyke. Towards the north is a sculpture by the environmental artist Chris Drury; Fingermaze is a labyrinth-like design based on a fingerprint, consisting of stones set into the turf.
Hove Park is home to the Brighton Parkrun.
Miniature steam railway
The park includes a 2,000-foot (610 m) long miniature railway operating on a 5 inch gauge, which is open on occasional weekends and bank holidays throughout spring, summer and autumn. The railway is run by the Brighton & Hove Society of Miniature Locomotive Engineers, which was formed from part of Brighton Model Engineers in 1962.
The track was upgraded to use concrete sections following damage caused by the Great Storm of 1987. Each separate section bears a plate detailing the name of the individual who sponsored it.